Here in America the Jewish lobby and right wing adherents of war with Iran exert tremendous power in deciding US relationships with Iran. Over in Iran the Ayatollah Khamenei plays power games with the Revolutionary Guards in demonstrating who can stand up taller to America. His decision to cater to extremists in Iran has made any effort to forge a nuclear weapon treaty be achieved. The Ayatollah shouted to Iranians that the US “is an example of global arrogance.” Perhaps, it is, but the issue right now is attaining an agreement that enables Iran to have sanctions lifted and its people be allowed to prosper.

Even President Hassan Rouhani got into the game of proofing he is one tough guy. “Even if the nuclear talks fail, our diplomacy showed the world that are logical. We never left the negotiation table and always provided the best example.” I agree that such talk is popular among those who oppose ending sanctions, but it sure does not lead to an agreement!

it is quite clear that Germany and other European Union nations want to give it to Greece in the ass. Yes, Greek governments for years have allowed corruption, have allowed those with wealth to avoid taxes and avoid their responsibilities as citizens and gotten away with murder. There is no doubt that Greece has made incredible incorrect economic decisions. But, at this moment it is not those who made the mistakes who will suffer, heck, they can get their money out of the country and live peacefully ever after. Reality is that ordinary citizens, the elderly and youth who lack hope for jobs are the ones who will suffer.

1. No Greek government can cut government services, pay of debts, and then watch the economy rise.

2. After World War II, Germany was forgiven her debts–including billions to Greece–and the result was economic revival.

3. There is need for: reducing the size of the debt.

4. There is need for aiding a Greek economic revival.

A nation that is economically prosperous is able to pay off debts. That is reality!

The entire world is being impacted by the collapse of the Greek economy. There is no doubt that Greece has run up enormous debts due to one government after another which simply refused to tax the wealthy and offered very good pensions to its citizens. Despite demand by the European Union to get serious and tax those with wealth, Greek governments insist they want to be bailed out. In fairness to the people of Greece, once upon a time, they were generous to Germany.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has every right to demand action by Greece. But reality is that over 30% of Greeks lack a job and pensions are declining. After World War II, Germany was in an economic mess. It had committed, not merely atrocities against people, but it had wrecked the economy of nations such as Greece. In order to assist German recovery, Greece was among several nations that cancelled German debts! It was the ability of Germany to restructure its debt that enabled Germany to become a great economic power.

Seems to me that Germany does have a right to demand Greek action to make the wealthy pay up, but it certainly means that Germany should provide Greece what Greece provided it.

Every so often behavior by those seeking to behead infidels sort of gets confusing. Yasmin Salhi, a Muslim Frenchman decided to have a few drinks with his boss and then as sort of a dessert to chop off his head. He drove a truck,he hung around with some guys and came across as just another working stiff seeking to make a living. He was born in France, educated in France, but at this point in time decided that driving a truck loaded with explosives into chemical warehouse would really make his day a notable one.

The only sign of change in his life is the appearance of a beard. But, heck, walk along any street in America and there are bearded men. So,wha led to the change? Frankly, I do not have a clue. Is there something in the water in France that sets off ordinary people and transforms them into beheaders?

Many still alive in America spent a good part of our lives experiencing the Cold War when no one knew if when or where someone would send an atomic bomb to initiate the end of civilization. Today,Vladimir Putin so enjoys pretending he can use atomic bombs in order to compel the world to,not only listen to his words,but to obey his demands for respect. Frankly,no one knows if this man is crazy enough to actually employ nuclear weapons as part of his diplomatic efforts.

The US is now talking about sending nuclear weapons back to Europe as part of some “show of force.” America and the European Union made a mistake in moving quickly into eastern Europe and talking about placing weapons on the border of Russia. It is time to move back, quiet down the rhetoric, and make certain no one is showing off any nuclear weapons.

There are those who continually complain about the massive numbers of refugees who are seeking new homes in more economically advanced nations. People like Dylann Roof believe that the United States of America is being overwhelmed by the hordes of people heading for our shores. Europe believe their very existence is threatened by African or Muslim “invaders” seeking to “take over their nations.” A brief examination of history makes clear this is not the first such “invasion,” and those of the past were much more severe.

1. Thousands of years ago Neanderthals were invaded by Cro-Magnons who soon took over their lands and sent them into extinction.

2. Invaders from England and other European nations not only invaded the New World, but wiped out untold millions in the process.

3. MY parents were among the horde of dirty, poor, desperate invaders who came to America seeking a new life. Between 1890-1925 about TWENTY FIVE MILLION IMMIGRANTS FROM EUROPE arrived in America. Just about everything being said concerning Africans or Muslims was said about this group.

Newcomers have been wandering from one place to another for about 50,000 years, Calm down, one day the newcomers will be the oldcomers and saying the same things about the newcomers!

There is Vladimir Putin, there is eastern Europe, there is the border of Russia, and there is what the hell to do in order ensuring the peace and security of nations such as Latvia or Estonia or Poland from the hungry desires of the leader of Russia. Ten years ago, President Bush placed missiles on the border of Russia and, guess what, it got Russians angry. Now, the US will be placing tanks and weapons in east European nations as a signal to Russia that we will protect our allies. So, what will be the result of this action:

1. Russia will place more troops on its border with east European nations.

2. Vladimir Putin will present himself to the Russian people as protecting them against the evil West.

3. At some point or another, there will be an “incident” that sends diplomats scurrying to resolve the problem.

4. Instead of stability this action simply increases tension.

There is no need to place weapons in eastern Europe simply increase sanctions.